Mechanistic Studies of Catalytic Processes in Environmental Remediation

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past decades, catalytic processes have become central to the development of efficient and sustainable technologies for environmental remediation. The increasing complexity of environmental pollutants, ranging from persistent organic compounds to emerging contaminants, has empowered the need not only for effective catalytic systems, but also for a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms governing their activity, selectivity, and stability.

Heterogeneous, photo-, electro-, and bio-catalytic systems have a pivotal role in modern remediation protocols, often enabling pollutant degradation under mild conditions while reducing secondary waste generation. Advances in catalyst design, nanostructured materials, porous supports, and hybrid systems significantly improved remediation efficiency. However, challenges related to reaction pathways, catalyst deactivation, by-product formation, and scalability remain strongly linked to mechanistic aspects that are not yet fully understood.

The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight recent progress in mechanistic studies of catalytic processes applied to environmental remediation. Contributions focusing on reaction kinetics, structure–activity relationships, catalyst–pollutant interactions, degradation pathways, and catalyst stability are particularly encouraged. Studies employing advanced characterization techniques, in situ or operando analyses, computational modelling, and data-driven approaches to elucidate catalytic mechanisms are also welcome.

This Special Issue covers all aspects of catalysis relevant to environmental remediation, including catalyst synthesis, modification, characterization, and application in water, wastewater, soil, and air treatment. Both original research articles and comprehensive review papers that advance fundamental understanding and practical implementation of catalytic remediation technologies are invited.

We look forward to your valuable contributions to this Special Issue.

Dr. Violeta-Carolina Niculescu
Guest Editor

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